Kiki & Jules Reviews

This blog is dedicated to honest reviews and insights on anything from books, movies, pets, family and more...Kiki and Jules are two sarcastic, fun-loving BFF's that are here to share there thoughts, reads, quibs, and tales... If you have a book you would like us to read and/or review, a delicious insight on all things paranormal, or just want to ask us a question drop us a line...we'll be waiting!!

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Saturday, September 13, 2014

What a more fantastic way to get back into the action than with this book. I can truly count on one hand the books that move me to want to take action or make a change. This book was one of them. Zart paints us a world similar to the ones we might find with Nicholas Sparks. Actually, this book reminded me of A Walk to Remember. But there was something in the plot to this story that takes the reader farther than that of Sparks; to something darker. I was moved!!

Rivers Young was arguably the most popular athlete at his high school until tragedy turns his world upside down. With scars encasing his body and his soul, Rivers seeks an end to his pain only to be surprised that it was real life that he would be living.

Delilah Bana has always lived for herself, never caring what others think of her. Actually, she felt sorry for those who could not look beyond themselves and really live. Which is why she is drawn to Rivers, and the need to save him. But Delilah has a deep secret that can crush not only Rivers, but her own light if she lets it.

This was a remarkable read!! I was so drawn to Delilah and how she approached the world. When Rivers asks if she dressed in bright colors and dyed her hair different colors on purpose to get attention, she replies that this was just her and only they had a problem with it for reasons she didn't understand. If only we could all approach life with her confidence and strength. Delilah could always look past people's scars to see their true beauty. We each should have a little bit of her in our souls.

Speaking of strength, Rivers, oh my, does he ever show us what real heart and strong will are. I do believe he quickly made my top 10 book boyfriends, scars and all. His love for Del even though he knew the final outcome was nothing short of beautiful. I want to be loved just like that!

It is my hope that all the lovers of Sparks, or Fault In Our Stars, or If I Stay will take a chance on this book. I'm sure you'll never regret it!!

To say that Jules and I have had some rough times recently is major understatement. So I deeply apologize for the long absence in sharing. But never fear we did not stop reading. Surprisingly though, in the reading world, there also seemed to be rough times because we found ourselves rereading more of our go to favorites than what was out there.

So instead of rehashing what you all are certain have already read and have seen many reviews on, I will give a quick count down on what moved Jules and me.

10. Chicagoland Vampires still rocks!! Unlike some long lasting series, this one keeps the hits coming.
9. Dannika Dark sadly ends her Mageri series, but never fret her Seven series is just as good and keeps us in the world we love.
8. Secret McQueen has finally made her choice, but will she get to keep him? Knowing Sierra Dean we will all be shocked.
7. The Relic Seekers series is a must read. I laughed until I cried!! Anita Clenney has a beautiful highlander series, but I love, love this one more!
6. H.P. Mallory is back!! Checkout her Better off Dead and you will see what I mean.
5. Jamie McGuire brings the Beauty back, and of course our favorite BB family, with Beautiful Oblivion, sigh, I'm so happy:)
4. Jeanine Frost saddened us by writing the last of the Cat and Bones books. Yes, I may have cried. But do not fear because her Beautiful Ashes series is out and absolutely enchanting.
3. Darynda Jones has taken Charley Davidson to the next level. Her unmatchable whit and ability to twist her plots into the unimaginable places makes this series my go to series every time it comes out.
2. Deborah Harkness ends her trilogy with The Book of Life and boy were we not disappointed. I was very let down by many of the series ending books, but this one took the cake. And it must be said that the open ending has me guessing here Ms. Harkness might take us next.
1. Cassandra Clare finished off both her Mortal Instruments and Clockwork series with a bang. And this time, yes, I DID cry. I'm not sure what I'm going to do without my time with Jace or Will. I'm at a loss:(

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Yay Darynda Jones Fans! We are excited to host the next stop in the Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet Blog Tour!! Today we have THREE specials for you! First off we are excited to have Cookie in the house spilling the beans on herself and all things Charley! And thanks to her, Darynda, and the Gimlet Street Team we have a Cookie excerpt from Fourth Grave! And if that isn't enough...we have the Blog Tour Giveaway!! One copy of the book and One copy of the Audiobook of First Grave!!
So without further ado...

Good
Morning Cookie! Thanks for stopping by the blog for a chat. We brought a
carafe of coffee and some scones to bribe you over. We hope you will be
willing to answer a few questions from two of your biggest fans…YES, we are
huge Cookie fans. So sit back, relax for change, and let us pry a few
tidbits from you.

Huge
Cookie fans? I’m honored! Thank you so much. I had no idea I had fans. I feel
like I should go to a spa or something. Get pampered.

First
off, we have no idea how you do it!! How DO you handle raising a tween
and Charley at the same time? Is that the real reason for the coffee
addiction? Do you get any sleep or are you a closet insomniac? We all
know sleep is something needed, just look what happened to Charley when she tried
to go without.

Oy!
Charley is chaos incarnate WITH enough sleep. You can imagine how she is
without. As far as raising Charley and my daughter Amber at the same time,
bravo! That is exactly how I feel sometimes. With Amber it’s more of a
do-your-homework and eat-all-your-vegetables kind of thing. With Charley it’s
more like a stop-fighting-with-dead-people and
you-paid-how-much-for-those-shoes ordeal. In trying to keep up with them, I
have resorted to abusing coffee. I use several times a day and start going
through withdrawal if I don’t get a fix every couple of hours. I do get enough
sleep on those nights I’m not called to the hospital to pick up Charley or
called to the jail to post bail. Those nights are great.

We know
the pay isn’t that good, or the coffee is laced with something extra, but
truly, why work for Charley? Do you still feel safe after this last time with
Amber or is there something more to being her friend? Are you something like a
token that keeps her grounded?

I
think I work for Charley because we make a difference. We save lives. And
you’re right. Charley needs me. I’ve woken to cold sweats worrying about what
she will do without me if that time ever comes. Not that I’m likely to die
first, but . . . I think

As
far as feeling safe, I know it’s weird, but I think I feel safer being around
Charley than not. She knows what’s going on in a world I can’t see. What’s
going on underneath the surface of our own existence. For some reason, I like
that. Then again, before Charley came along I’d never been shot at. Amber had
never had a gun pointed at her head. Hmmmm…

We have
to say that we might just stick around for all the yummy eye candy on
display. Which one of the hotties is your favorite? Garrett?
Or is some, say uncle, catching your eye?

There
is that! The constant barrage of eye candy is like being at a Disney Land
created specifically for hormonal, middle-aged women. I tell you, that Garrett
is a knee-melter. I can hardly be around that boy without needing one of those
tiny, portable fans. While I love looking at that guy, there is something about
a certain uncle of Charley’s that is just so endearing. I’m not sure if it’s
his loyalty to Charley, or his quirky temper that makes him so attractive. It
could be his moustache and his deep, expressive eyes.

Speaking
of H-O-T…Reyes…just that name alone holds a lot of weight. What is your take on the Son of Satan?

Hot just
about covers it. Everything else is icing. Like the fact that his arms are
incredible, corded with tendon and muscle. And they are attached to the most
amazing shoulders. Which has this gorgeous head on top with this face that
makes you want to cry it’s so beautiful. Or maybe it’s just me. I think I
ovulate everytime I see him.

How about
this new neighbor…you going to let us in on who it is? Is it Reyes?

Let’s
just say this place got way more interesting recently.

If
Charley would quit tomorrow, as she fanaticized recently, what would you
do? Would you remain friends with no cases to solve and no otherworldly
experiences?

I
can’t imagine us NOT being friends. I believe in fate. Destiny. And I believe
we were destined to be besties. If we didn’t have cases to solve together, I’m
sure we’d find something else to do. Like open our own carwash. Or go on tour
together. I sing a mean Adele. I don’t sound like her or anything, but throw a
couple of margaritas down me, and I can belt out the tunes like nobody’s
business.

Since
being a reaper doesn’t seem to be a job you can quit, it looks like we get a
lot more Cookie…Don’t we?

She’ll
definitely always have the grim reaper gig. As long as she’s reapering, I’ll be
there for her.

And can
you let us in on how it is going with Charley and figuring out what she is
capable of? Is part of that figuring out if she should stick with Reyes or try
on some Garrett or Donovan for a change?

She
is coming into her abilities slowly but surely, and it’s one of the most
amazing things I’ve ever witnessed. Honestly, we didn’t even know there was
more to come until Reyes told her. And it’s like her knowing has made her
abilities blossom.

As
far as the hunks in her life, she’s a flirt. Always has been. But if you saw
the look on her face every time she talks about Reyes . . . As much as she
likes the other two hotties, I think her heart is set on the son of Satan.
Which sounds bad when you say it aloud.

Biker
gangs, Nuns that curse, Angels, Satan, Mr. Wong, Guardian Dogs…what more can
come our way? Anything you want to share? Anything that you think
you might not be able to handle, like a war? Are you afraid?

There
have been hints of a war, and that worries me more than a little. But I’d
rather be in the know instead of completely clueless when things on Earth go
south. I think Charley and Reyes can handle just about anything if they can
stop bickering long enough. If not, the human race could be in trouble.

Well, no
matter what it is we hope it includes a man for you! You need a little
dream escaping of your own. What do you think? You ready for love?

Aw,
I couldn’t agree more! I do some love. I may have to get aggressive. Make my
feelings known and just go for it. I am quite ready.

Darn, we
are now out of coffee and have eaten all the scones. Guess this means our
time is up. Thanks again for stopping by.
Drop by any time!!

Thank you
so much for having me! I’ll keep cheering Charley on and hope for the best.
Prayers are welcome, for those so inclined.

********************************************************************

Now A Special Excerpt From Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet...

With
renewed energy, I pulled back onto Academy— after hitting a

drive- through for a mocha latte—
and had just started for home when

my phone rang.

“Yes?” I
said, illegally talking on the phone while driving within the

city limits. Scoping for cops, I
waited for Uncle Bob to stop talking to

whomever he was talking to and get
back to me.

My uncle
Bob, or Ubie as I most often referred to him, was a detective

for APD, and I helped him on cases
from time to time. He knew I

could see the departed and used
that to his advantage. Not that I could

blame him.

“Get that
to her, then call the ME ay- sap.”

“Okay,” I
said, “but I’m not sure what calling the medical examiner

ay- sap is going to accomplish.
I’m pretty sure his name is George.”

“Oh, hey,
Charley.”

“Hey, Uncle
Bob. What’s up?”

“Are you
driving?”

“No.”

“Have you
heard anything?”

Our
conversations often went like this. Uncle Bob with his random

questions. Me with my trying to
come up with answers just as random.

Not that I had to try very hard.
“I heard that Tiff any Gorham, a girl I

knew in grade school, still stuff
s her bra. But that’s just a rumor.”

“About the
case,” he said through clenched teeth. I could tell his teeth

were clenched because his words
were suddenly forced. That meant he

was frustrated. Too bad I had no
idea what he was talking about.

“I wasn’t
aware that we had a case.”

“Oh, didn’t
Cookie call you?”

“She called
me a doody- head once.”

“About the
case.” His teeth were totally clenched again.

“We have a
case?”

But I’d
lost him. He was talking to another officer. Or a detective. Or

a hooker, depending on his
location and accessibility to cash. Though I

doubted he would tell a hooker to
check the status of the DOA’s autopsy

report. Unless he was way kinkier
than I’d ever given him credit for.

I found his calling me only to
talk to other people very challenging.

“I’ll call
you right back,” he said. No idea to whom.

The call
disconnected as I sat at a light, wondering what guacamole

would look like if avocados were orange.

I finally
shifted my attention to the dead kid in my backseat. He had

shoulder- length blond hair and
bright blue eyes and looked somewhere

between fifteen and seventeen.

“You come
here often?” I asked him, but my phone rang before he

could say anything. That was okay.
He had a vacant stare, so I doubted

he would have answered me anyway.

“Sorry
about that,” Uncle Bob said. “Do you want to discuss the

case?”

“We have a
case?” I said again, perking up.

“How are
you?”

He asked me
that every time he called now. “Peachy. Am I the case? If

so, I can solve this puppy in
about three seconds. I’m heading down San

Mateo toward Central in a cherry
red Jeep Wrangler with a questionable

exhaust system.”

“Charley.”

“Hurry,
before I get away!”***************************************************************

Now the Blog Tour Giveaway!!

Try and Win One Copy of Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet a Rafflecopter giveaway
Try and Win One Copy of the Audiobook for First Grave On The Righta Rafflecopter giveaway
******************************************************************
Make sure you head out and pick up your copy of Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet on October 30! Or pre-order like we did!!

New
York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Darynda Jones has won numerous
awards for her work including a prestigious Golden Heart®, a RITA®, and a
Daphne du Maurier. As a born storyteller, she grew up spinning tales of dashing
damsels and heroes in distress for any unfortunate soul who happened by,
annoying man and beast alike. Darynda lives in the Land of Enchantment,
also known as New Mexico, with her husband and two beautiful sons, the Mighty,
Mighty Jones Boys.

Thanks to Darynda Jones and the Grimlet Street Team for letting us join in the fun!!
Happy Reading!!
~Kiki & Jules